Regarding the interview with the Washington Post (WP), which contains President Yoon’s views on Korea-Japan relations, such as “I cannot accept the perception that Japan must kneel down with a history of 100 years ago,” Secretary General Lee Chul-gyu said, “The Power of the People.” It was a statement to the effect of going forward,” he insisted on the 25th.
Secretary-General Lee appeared on Yonhap News TV’s ‘News 1st Street’ that afternoon and said, “(Japan’s) faults are pointed out and criticized as they are, but you must not get caught up in them and stop moving forward.” “Now, the trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States and Japan is more urgent than ever,” he said. Right now, our national interest is at a loss and the younger generation is at a loss.”
“The Democratic Party of Korea has always linked Japan’s issues to domestic political interests rather than the national interest,” he criticized, saying, “It often instigates anti-Japanese sentiment and causes loss of national interest.” Secretary-General Lee said, “How many Koreans have been sacrificed by the Chinese military’s participation in the Korean War, which is closer to modern history than Japanese colonial rule. Has there ever been a time when Russia, which tacitly tolerated and supported the war, was held accountable and demanded an apology?” “Isn’t it the appearance of a responsible political leader to look only at the interests of the Republic of Korea and stand with them, regardless of the opposition parties, regarding issues related to the national interest of the Republic of Korea? I think,” he said.
Regarding President Yoon’s visit to the United States, Secretary-General Lee also said, “It is the first state visit to the United States in 12 years since former President Lee Myung-bak.” He also said, “An important visit that can solve security issues and our future economic problems at a time when extended deterrence measures following the advancement of North Korea’s nuclear missiles are essential.”
Lee Ye-ji,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.